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Originally Posted by tkflames
I think that your view on this is very narrow and strongly influenced by natural gifted athletes like Phelps. .
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Have I even mentioned Phelps. Disagree that's fine but don't presume to tell me how I form my opinions.
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Originally Posted by tkflames
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1. Most athletes aren't gold medal favourites by age 18 and usually don't win medals until their second or third Olympics (mid to late 20's), only because of the advantage gained by PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE.. .
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Agreed but again that doesn't describe all our athletes. There are numerous that are competing in their final olympics that didn't stand a chance this time.
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Originally Posted by tkflames
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2. The Olympics is not about you or I or how many medals Canada wins...its about the athletes that have devoted their entire life to their sport. If they qualify why shouldn't the government encourage them as the athletic role models they are (I am having a hard time articulating what I want to say here so I apologize how it sounds). .
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Sure but I would suggest our olympic bar is simply too low. Moreover, if its not about winning then I have no interest in it. I could care less about the world joining hands every 4 years to pretend we all get along. I care because it's sports. If that's not what's about - I have no interest.
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Originally Posted by tkflames
3. I would rather my children have the choice to pick whatever sport they want to excel at and have the opportunity to participate, than have to move out of the country to train (much like that fencer that had to train in Hungary of all places)..
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They would have that opportunity - if they are good enough.
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Originally Posted by tkflames
4. I think more than anything the Olympics are key in inspiring a nation (particularly the youth) to lead athletic lifestyles. Whether or not this is achieved (see a very obese USA) there is nothing wrong with encouraging this across a wide variety of sports. .
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If that's what the olympics are supposed to do - they are failing. Show me data that links the olypmics with kids getting out there and exercising more and I'll be happy to listen to that position. I think there are more effective ways of motivating physical exercise. For starters give parents a tax break on all fitness related costs. But that's another topic.
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Originally Posted by tkflames
5. Funding coaches and systems is the most important part of success (see Olympic rowing and swimming). These systems (much like an NHL team) need to be developed over time with experience, mentors and leaders. All of these are developed by competing and workign toward the Olympics.
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Sure. But that still doesn't answer the question as to why the team has to be so damn big.
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Originally Posted by tkflames
6. If an athlete is good enough to compete government funded or not...why stop them from going (hence a big team)? Why not rather encourage them by putting the infrastructure in place to help them succeed.
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I think a line has to be drawn between an ahtlete good enough to COMPETE and an athlete good enough to PARTICIPATE.